Naperville N. Keeps Firm Grip On Regional

February 04, 1990|By Keith Buralli, Special to The Tribune.

Saturday`s Naperville Central wrestling regional was no different from last weekend`s Du Page Valley Conference meet-Naperville North wins in a walk. The Huskies totalled 200 points. Second place went to Naperville Central with 143.5. The winning Huskies had eight individual regional champions and one third-place finisher. Naperville North will meet Naperville Central Tuesday at Naperville North for the sectional dual meet championship.

``There is no doubt in my mind that this team is ready, as a group, to make a run at qualifying for state,`` said North coach Stan Gruszka. ``I`ve never had eight kids in the championship finals of a regional before, so that tells you something of how we`re wrestling this year.``

The sectional matchup will be the fifth meeting of he season for the teams.

``I`m looking forward to it,`` said Central coach Gary Matlock. ``If I have to finish second it would not be disappointing to finish second to a team like Naperville North.``

One reason North has been successful this season is the wrestling of 135- pounder David Sullivan.

Sullivan is determined to get past the second round of sectionals this season after failing to do so during his sophomore and junior seasons. The senior will get his last crack at it next weekend at the Naperville North sectionals.

Sullivan, ranked No. 3 in the state at 135 pounds, got his wish. He breezed through the Naperville Central regionals, finishing first by beating Steve Kevish of Plainfield 9-1.

``Right now, I`m taking it one match at a time,`` said Sullivan, who lost a one-point decision in the second round of sectionals last year. ``I know sectionals will be a lot tougher, but I know I`m ready.``

His coach feels Sullivan has a very realistic chance of making it to state this year.

``He`s a tough kid,`` Gruszka said. ``He`s a very aggressive wrestler who`s very dedicated to the sport. He wrestles with confidence, and he has solid technique.``

A strict work ethic has Sullivan feeling confident.

``I`ve worked harder this year than I did last year,`` said Sullivan.

``In practice coach pushes me a lot. He keeps me honest. While I`m taking it one match at a time, my goal is still to make it to state. This is my last year. I want to make it a successful one.``